Browse Support Tools
The most comprehensive directory of customer support and CX tools. Compare Zendesk, Intercom, Freshdesk, Help Scout, Gorgias, and 30+ more.
How to Choose the Right Customer Support Tools in 2026
What to Look For
- ✓Channel coverage -- Evaluate which channels your customers actually use (email, chat, phone, social, SMS) and ensure the platform provides native support for each without requiring separate tools or clunky integrations.
- ✓AI and automation capabilities -- Look for smart ticket routing, AI-suggested responses, automated workflows, and chatbot builders that can resolve common questions without human intervention while maintaining a quality customer experience.
- ✓Self-service tools -- A strong knowledge base with search, AI-suggested articles, and embeddable widgets can deflect 30 to 50 percent of tickets. Check whether the platform includes a knowledge base or requires a separate product.
- ✓Reporting and SLA management -- The best platforms track response times, resolution times, CSAT scores, and SLA compliance in real time. Look for customizable dashboards and the ability to set alerts when SLAs are at risk of being breached.
- ✓Scalability and pricing model -- Support tools typically charge per agent seat. Estimate your costs at 2x and 5x your current team size to avoid sticker shock as you grow, and check whether light agent or viewer seats are available for non-support staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a help desk and a CRM?+
How important is a knowledge base for reducing support volume?+
Should I use a standalone live chat tool or the chat built into my help desk?+
Quick Comparison
Featured tools at a glance
| Tool | Category | Pricing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎫Help Desk & Ticketing | Paid | The industry-leading customer service platform | |
| 💬Live Chat & Messaging | Paid | The complete AI-first customer service platform | |
| 🎫Help Desk & Ticketing | Freemium | Delight customers and empower your support team | |
| 📚Knowledge Base & Self-Service | Freemium | Self-service knowledge base for customers and teams | |
| 🚀Customer Success Platforms | Paid | The leading customer success platform | |
| 🎫Help Desk & Ticketing | Paid | The eCommerce customer service platform |
Browse by Category
5 categoriesFeatured Tools
Hand-picked by our team
Zendesk
The industry-leading customer service platform
Intercom
The complete AI-first customer service platform
Freshdesk
Delight customers and empower your support team
Document360
Self-service knowledge base for customers and teams
Gainsight
The leading customer success platform
Gorgias
The eCommerce customer service platform
All Tools
Complete directory
The industry-leading customer service platform
The complete AI-first customer service platform
Delight customers and empower your support team
Customer support software that feels personal
Customer service software that connects to your CRM
The all-in-one business messaging platform
Live chat and AI chatbots for small businesses
Conversational marketing and sales platform
All-in-one workspace including knowledge management
Documentation for developers and their teams
Self-service knowledge base for customers and teams
The wiki and knowledge management tool by Atlassian
The leading customer success platform
Real-time customer success for SaaS
Composable customer success platform
Build beautiful forms, surveys, and quizzes
The fastest way to gather NPS and customer feedback
The world's most popular survey platform
Product analytics, in-app guides, and feedback in one
All-in-one help desk with the fastest live chat widget
The eCommerce customer service platform
Customer service, live chat, and helpdesk for eCommerce